News for Restaurants in New Orleans April 2016 Archive

A plan is in place to bring Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville back to New Orleans. Although the last incarnation closed in 2015, a newer, much bigger Margaritaville may be opening not far from House of Blues in the French Quarter. Plans have been drawn up and submitted to the City of New Orleans for approval, but the company has hit a few snags that must be resolved. Since the $8 million, three-story structure will have a large rooftop bar, neighbors have expressed concern about the potential noise level. The City had expressed concern about the design of the building, specifically the size of the windows and doors, but that hurdle has been overcome and the design is now approved. The company hopes to begin construction later this year. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, 336 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116, no phone.

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Grand Isle Adds New Happy Hour OffersGrand Isle Restaurant, the popular Central Business District eatery, has added some new attractions to its weekday happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant now offers oysters at just 50 cents each, half priced draft beer, wines by the glass and cocktails. Also available are half pounds of boiled shrimp for seven dollars. Grand Isle, 575 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-520-8530.

District Donuts Set to ExpandDistrict Donuts Sliders Brew has met with such success on Magazine Street, that the owners announced plans to open a new location on Harrison Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood. The owners plan for the new location to be much like the original, with a similar menu and layout. The company also owns District Hand Pie & Coffee Bar uptown. Since shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Harrison Avenue has become a restaurant hub in Lakeview. The new restaurant will be the only one of its type in the neighborhood. District Donuts Sliders Brew, 2209 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-570-6945.

Chef Shuffle

Kristin Essig, executive chef at Meauxbar, and the recently opened Cavan, announced she will resign. John Bel, who has been with Meauxbar since 2014, will be the new executive chef at Meuxbar. At Cavan, which opened in March, Ben Thibodeaux will assume the executive chef position. Thibodeaux comes from Tableau. Essig says she is weighing her options for her next project, but that she will continue to be a chef. Essig became executive chef at Meauxbar after her stint at the now-shuttered Ste. Marie restaurant. Meauxbar, 942 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-569-9979.